REDICTORS OF OUTCOMES, SURVIVAL, AND MORTALITY AFTER CEREBRAL CATHETERIZATION: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN THE PALESTINIAN PRACTICE

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cerebral catheterization is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of various cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, arteriovenous malformations, aneurysms, and stenosis. This procedure is commonly performed through the femoral or radial artery. Objective: This study aims to explore the complications that arise after cerebral catheterization, along with mortality rates and survival outcomes. Moreover, in Palestine, there is a lack of research on cerebral catheterization, its significance, the outcomes, and the associated death rates, making this study particularly important for filling this gap. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at An-Najah National University Hospital and included patients who underwent diagnostic or interventional cerebral catheterization between 2020 and 2024. Data were retrospectively collected from medical records to evaluate demographic, clinical, radiological, and outcome variables, including post-procedural complications, mortality, and survival. The data collection process took approximately six months. Results: The study included 214 patients who underwent diagnostic or interventional cerebral catheterization. The overall survival rate was 78.5%, while the in-hospital mortality rate was 21.5%. Post-procedural complications varied according to patient characteristics and procedure type. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly lower survival among patients with comorbidities (p < .001). Cox regression identified comorbidities (HR = 6.94, 95% CI: 2.66–18.15; p < .001) and post-procedural complications (HR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.30–10.16; p = 0.014) as independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Cerebral catheterization includes both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, with outcomes influenced by patient characteristics and procedure type. Therapeutic catheterization is associated with higher complication rates and longer ICU stays, while neurological complications are relatively uncommon. Keywords: Digital subtraction angiography, cerebral catheterization, intensive care unit, cerebrovascular diseases, post-procedural complications, Palestine.